President Donald Trump recently stirred up some buzz on social media by hinting at a new monument set for construction in Washington, D.C.. This monument, which would echo Paris’s iconic Arc de Triomphe, seems positioned across the Potomac River from Arlington National Cemetery.
During a meeting in the Oval Office with the Finnish President, Alexander Stubb, Trump was seen taking a look at the design crafted by Harrison Design. The projected arch is meant to commemorate America’s 250th birthday next year, as reported by the Washington Post.
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Justin Shubow, who leads the National Civic Art Society, pitched this idea to Trump and others, who responded enthusiastically? Sounds like they’re excited about the project.
This new arch is also said to be reminiscent of the Grand Army Plaza Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch located in Brooklyn. The design features two eagles and a gold-winged angel atop, all set within a traffic circle—a sight that could be pretty impressive.
Nicolas Charbonneau from Harrison Design even shared snapshots of an arch concept last month, indicating it could very well represent the envisioned #America250 arch.
Initially thought to be a temporary installation, the America 250 arch may now have a shot at permanence according to some White House officials.
Architect Eric Jenkins, who previously taught at the University of Maryland and Catholic University, spoke to the Architect’s Newspaper, arguing that this arch could interfere with significant alignments between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, famously considered ‘hallowed ground.’
“Connection is important—bridging and linking things matters. The Memorial Bridge serves to unite Lincoln’s memory with Arlington, formerly home to Robert E. Lee and now a site for reflection and mourning. The arch would likely hide John F. Kennedy’s eternal flame, which can often be seen from the Lincoln Memorial during darker hours,” Jenkins explained.
He went on to express concern: “Placing a grandiose monument into this symbolic space disrupts that meaning. It risks turning subtlety into spectacle and gravitas into showiness. Instead of fostering healing, it imposes something dramatic.”
Just last month, Trump expressed a desire for “beautiful buildings” to be established in D.C. The consideration for this arch follows his declaration of plans for an extravagant ballroom adjoining the White House, which would significantly alter the landscape of the grounds and has faced criticism from Democrats, many of whom suggest this is part of his aspirations for a potential third term.
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This isn’t the first call for an arch in the national capital; back in 2000, the National Monuments Foundation proposed an arch named the Millennium Gate. They believed the new millennium should be marked with architectural significance in the city, stating, “The United States should build something to reflect this epoch of power, wealth, and influence.”
